Hossam Ghaly appears to have edged closer to his exit from Tottenham Hotspur, after being granted permission to train with Egyptian club Al Ahly.

The 25-year-old midfielder has not played for Spurs since angrily reacting to
being substituted by former boss Martin Jol towards the end of last season, and
throwing his shirt to the floor.

Ghaly has returned to the club where he has started his career to build up his
fitness.

'We have given Hossam permission to train with his former club Al Ahly in
Egypt as he prepares for the national team's Arabic Cup campaign as well as the
African Cup of Nations tournament in January,' said Damien Comolli, Spurs'
sporting director.

Meanwhile, Spurs defender Ricardo Rocha is close to full training following
ankle surgery and could return to action in less than a month.

'I am feeling very good,' said Rocha.

'I have just starting working hard on the field to recover as fast as
possible, and the physios feel I will be fit to train and play in two to three
weeks.

'I have been out for many weeks, so I am doing stamina work at the moment. I
miss working with the ball, but it has to be like this.

'The important thing now is to recover well and then try and help the team in
as many games as possible.'